Tag: Cygwin

LAMP setup for Windows

I wrote a summary list to install and setup LAMP in Windows. According to my experience, it is very useful and stable. The LAMP –
For the ‘L’ (linux), using Cygwin,
For the ‘AMP’ (apache+mysql+php), using XAMPP, a excellent package

(1) Cygwin
If you like to program directly under Linux in a MS operating system, Cygin is a key choice.
Cygwin is a Linux-like environment for Windows.

It consists of two parts:

  • A DLL (cygwin1.dll) which acts as a Linux API emulation layer providing substantial Linux API functionality.
  • A collection of tools which provide Linux look and feel.

If it is possible, install as many packages as possible. e.g, ‘man’ packages, perl, devel, etc. But don’t include X- packages which are related to GUI.
Don’t forget vi, the simple and poweful full-screen text editor, which is my favorite.

(2) XAMPP

XAMPP is an easy to install Apache distribution containing MySQL, PHP and Perl. XAMPP is really very easy to install and to use – just download, extract and start. The entry point for download:

http://www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp-windows.html

The newest version of XAMPP 1.7.3 include:

  • Apache 2.2.14 (IPv6 enabled) + OpenSSL 0.9.8l
  • MySQL 5.1.41 + PBXT engine
  • PHP 5.3.1
  • phpMyAdmin 3.2.4
  • Perl 5.10.1
  • FileZilla FTP Server 0.9.33
  • Mercury Mail Transport System 4.72
  • OpenSSL 0.9.8l
  • Webalizer 2.21-02

They are perfectly integrated together, all the tools included and configure very well.
What you need to do are, – after the installation – edit httpd.conf and php.ini directly to make your website (http://localhost/) immediately reflect your projects.

Besides the basic, some useful tools can make the development conveniently and quickly.
(3) Front-end
Of course it is Adobe Family: Dreamwwaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, etc.

(4) Apatana (EClipse) php

Build web applications quickly and easily using the industry’s leading web application IDE. Aptana Studio harnesses the flexibility of Eclipse and focuses it into a powerful web development engine.

(5) git or cvs

for version control. git seems more hot over cvs, however they are very similar.
Normally they are included in Cygwin, check from command lines. If not, add either of them for version control purpose.

(6) Some optional, but very helpful softwares:

  • UltraEdit-32
  • VC++ 6.0 for technical notes and project documentary management.

(7) And, For FireFox, google Chrome Addons:

  • Firebug – Web Development Evolved.
  • FireShot (charged) – captures, edits, annotates, organizes, exports, uploads and prints screenshots of your web pages.
  • Web Developer – adds various web developer tools to a browser.
  • FirFTP – FTP Client for Mozilla Firefox.
  • CoolPreviews – browser Faster. Preview and share links and media without leaving your current page.

With all of these assembled, the true and powerful LAMP-alike developing env are well setup for Windows.